US President Donald Trump speculated that the recent 50 per cent tariff imposed on Indian oil imports from Russia may have influenced progress in ongoing talks with Moscow to end the Ukraine war.

“We put a 50 per cent tariff on India,” Trump said Wednesday, adding, “I don’t know if that had anything to do with it, but we’ve had very productive talks today.” He was referring to discussions between his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which both sides described as constructive.

The oil tariff—comprising a 25 per cent general trade tariff and an additional 25 per cent penalty for purchasing Russian oil—was announced last week and takes effect in 21 days.

Asked if the tariffs on India could be lifted following a Ukraine peace deal, Trump said, “We’ll determine that later.”

India reacted strongly, calling the move “extremely unfortunate,” and affirmed it would “take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.” New Delhi also emphasized its energy trade decisions are driven by market needs and the energy security of its 1.4 billion citizens.

Trump accused India of buying large volumes of Russian oil and reselling refined products for profit, saying, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed.”

He hinted that China—another major buyer of Russian oil—could also face similar tariffs.

Trump also mentioned a potential tripartite meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling optimism that “there’s a very good chance” peace is near.

The tariffs, labeled as secondary sanctions, are intended to cut Russia’s oil revenue. However, critics note that only India has been targeted so far.

The situation continues to evolve amid tense diplomatic exchanges.